X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Champ or Chump: Spencer Horwitz and Ben Rice Fantasy Baseball Outlooks

Ben Rice - Fantasy Baseball Prospects, Waiver Wire Pickups, Draft Sleepers

Do the hot starts of late bloomers Spencer Horwitz (Blue Jays) and Ben Rice (Yankees) make them fantasy baseball sleepers, busts, or neither? Rick Lucks takes a deep dive into their 2024 fantasy baseball value.

Fantasy managers in on-base percentage or points formats are in luck. Two of the most interesting names broadly available on waivers, Spencer Horwitz and Ben Rice, have plate discipline as their carrying skills. Both offer multipositional eligibility and are off to hot starts.

Both are also relative unknowns in fantasy circles, so managers probably don't know what to expect from them moving forward. Do they steal bases? Will they hit for power?

Horwitz is 26 and Rice is 25, so we have extensive MiLB resumes to help us answer these questions. Without further ado, let's take a closer look at these two.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Spencer Horwitz (1B/2B, TOR) 9% Rostered

Horwitz is hitting .366/.480/.561 with two homers in 50 PAs as a Blue Jay, generally hitting first or second in Toronto's lineup. His .382 BABIP is obviously unsustainable, but his plate discipline has been outstanding with an 18% BB% against a 10% K%.

The good news is that Horwitz's plate discipline is the real deal. He logged 16 PAs with Double-A (New Hampshire) in 2021, a sample too small to do anything with. He returned to the level in 2022 and hit .297/.413/.517 with 10 homers and three steals in 281 PAs. His 15.3% BB% jumps off the page, and his 19.2% K% was solid too.

The performance earned Horwitz a promotion to Triple-A (Buffalo) and he responded well, hitting .246/.361/.363 with two homers and four steals across 202 PAs. His 14.9% BB% and 20.3% K% were virtual repeats of his Double-A rates despite the uptick in competition.

Horwitz returned to Buffalo in 2023 and performed even better, posting a .337/.450/.495 line with 10 homers and nine steals over 484 PAs. His plate discipline improved with a 16.1% BB% that exceeded his 14.9% K%. We have more granular plate discipline data for Triple-A in 2023 and beyond, and Horwitz was impressive with a 28.8% chase rate and 7.7% SwStr%. Toronto rewarded Horwitz with 44 PAs in the Show, but it was back to Buffalo to begin 2024.

He hit .335/.456/.514 with four homers and three steals in 259 PAs. Miraculously, Horwitz improved his plate discipline yet again. His 17% BB% bested his 15.8% K%, and it was backed by an elite 21.9% chase rate and 6.4% SwStr%. Horwitz has an advanced plate approach that should translate immediately to the major leagues.

The bad news is that Horwitz is a one-trick pony. He was never regarded as a huge prospect, being selected 717th overall in the 2019 draft and failing to crack the top 100 prospects for any major publication. His MiLB performance carries the asterisk of being old for his level, and his scouting report is bland:

Horwitz's Statcast Sprint Speed of 24.1 feet/sec ranks in the second percentile, so fantasy managers shouldn't count on steals even though he swiped a handful on the farm. That's slower than the average catcher, hurting his BABIP potential. Similarly, Horwitz's highest FB% as a minor leaguer was 33.5%. His swing doesn't produce the loft necessary for big-time power numbers.

As such, we know who Horwitz is. His 6% SwStr% and 23.7% chase rate are supported by his minor league numbers, so he should deliver a strong OBP. Sadly, it'll be an empty OBP since he won't hit many homers or steal bases. He's a Champ if you only need OBP but a Chump if you're searching for a more well-rounded contributor.

 

Ben Rice (C/1B, NYY) 23% Rostered

Rice is hitting .294/.381/.294 in 21 PAs as a Yankee, and fantasy managers get excited whenever somebody with catcher eligibility hits at all. Yankee prospects receive more hype than most, so it's unsurprising that Rice is rostered in nearly triple the leagues Horwitz is.

A peek at Rice's MiLB credentials reveals strong plate discipline. He first reached the High Minors with Double-A (Somerset) in 2023, slashing .327/.401/.648 with 16 HR and seven steals in 222 PAs. His 9.5% BB% and 18.9% K% were more than respectable, and his 40.9% FB% was high enough to believe in his power. His 70% success rate on SB attempts was also promising for a catcher.

Rice returned to Somerset to begin 2024 and saw his line regress to .261/.382/.510 with 12 homers and eight steals in 218 PAs. However, the dropoff was entirely the result of a 60-point decline in BABIP (from .345 to .285). His plate discipline was similar with a 14.7% BB% against a 21.1% K%, and his 37.3% FB% was solid if unspectacular. He wasn't caught stealing a single time, either.

Rice earned a promotion to Triple-A (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre) and hit .333/.440/.619 with three homers and a steal in 50 PAs. The sample was small, but his 16% BB% and 20% K% still impressed. Rice's BB% and K% are both 14.3% in the Show, and that's supported by his 20.5% chase rate, 9.0% SwStr%, and minor league resume.

The question isn't Rice's performance but rather how well it will translate in the Bronx. He only has 50 PAs at Triple-A and was old for Double-A, so he bullied younger opponents while remaining relatively untested against advanced competition. Likewise, scouts aren't enamored with Rice. He was drafted 363rd overall in 2021 and has a meh scouting report:

Rice won't catch on the Yankees, so 1B and DH are his only positions. Lefties dominated him on the farm, so the strong side of a platoon is the best-case scenario for his playing time. It remains to be seen if he'll get that, however.

DJ LeMahieu is off the IL and the club acquired J.D. Davis from the Athletics, so the Yanks have three mouths to feed between two corner infield spots. The DH spot likely won't come into play as the team wants to use Trent Grisham in center with Giancarlo Stanton out, meaning the DH will be one of Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, or Alex Verdugo most nights.

Rice offers intriguing upside as a catcher-eligible player who won't actually catch, but we don't yet know how often he'll play or whether he can handle MLB pitching. New York has a strong lineup, but Rice likely won't bat in the heart of it. Whether he's a Champ or a Chump boils down to how he's used, but you probably have to roster him now if you could use a second catcher.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Yu Darvish

to Make Season Debut on Monday
MLB

Nationals Fire Dave Martinez, Mike Rizzo
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Cole Ragans

to Begin Throwing on Monday
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF